EX-99.1 2 exh_991.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 exh_991.htm
Exhibit 99.1
 
 









FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

 

 
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Third Quarter
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 

 
 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
 
 
 
Three months
   
Nine months
 
 
 
ended September 30
   
ended September 30
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues
  $ 684,606     $ 603,035     $ 1,890,447     $ 1,652,768  
 
                               
Cost of revenues
    445,408       396,179       1,225,800       1,094,968  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    182,229       154,327       532,990       451,991  
Depreciation
    8,701       9,121       26,171       26,138  
Amortization of intangible assets
    5,706       7,003       17,990       31,152  
Acquisition-related items (note 6)
    4,732       2,433       5,955       8,380  
Operating earnings
    37,830       33,972       81,541       40,139  
 
                               
Interest expense, net
    3,440       6,225       9,834       17,278  
Other income, net (note 7)
    (186 )     (1,150 )     (1,033 )     (1,836 )
Earnings before income tax
    34,576       28,897       72,740       24,697  
Income tax (note 8)
    10,024       6,720       21,139       6,150  
Net earnings from continuing operations
    24,552       22,177       51,601       18,547  
 
                               
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax (note 5)
    3,104       (2,259 )     944       (2,468 )
Net earnings
    27,656       19,918       52,545       16,079  
 
                               
Non-controlling interest share of earnings (note 11)
    7,196       7,852       19,763       12,278  
Non-controlling interest redemption increment (note 11)
    (4,103 )     11,209       6,440       23,057  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Company
    24,563       857       26,342       (19,256 )
Preferred share dividends
    -       -       -       3,146  
 
            .                  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  $ 24,563     $ 857     $ 26,342     $ (22,402 )
 
                               
Net earnings (loss) per common share (note 12)
                               
Basic
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.60     $ 0.09     $ 0.71     $ (0.62 )
Discontinued operations
    0.08       (0.06 )     0.02       (0.08 )
 
  $ 0.68     $ 0.03     $ 0.73     $ (0.70 )
Diluted
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.59     $ 0.09     $ 0.70     $ (0.62 )
Discontinued operations
    0.08       (0.06 )     0.02       (0.08 )
 
  $ 0.67     $ 0.03     $ 0.72     $ (0.70 )
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
Page 2 of 12

 
 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of US dollars) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
 
 
 
Three months
   
Nine months
 
 
 
ended September 30
   
ended September 30
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings
  $ 27,656     $ 19,918     $ 52,545     $ 16,079  
 
                               
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
    (24,906 )     6,523       (25,021 )     (8,005 )
 
                               
Comprehensive earnings
    2,750       26,441       27,524       8,074  
 
                               
Less: Comprehensive earnings attributable to non-controlling shareholders
    (2,670 )     19,274       20,333       35,735  
 
                               
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Company
  $ 5,420     $ 7,167     $ 7,191     $ (27,661 )
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
Page 3 of 12

 
 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of US dollars) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
Assets
 
 
   
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 130,005     $ 142,704  
Restricted cash
    4,025       5,613  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $27,983 (December 31, 2013 - $25,534)
    346,427       371,423  
Income tax recoverable
    12,065       17,489  
Inventories
    15,754       15,804  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    45,175       38,289  
Deferred income tax
    25,360       23,938  
 
    578,811       615,260  
 
               
Other receivables
    6,833       7,455  
Other assets
    15,207       12,256  
Fixed assets
    111,374       101,554  
Deferred income tax
    100,327       102,629  
Intangible assets
    188,412       177,179  
Goodwill
    467,560       427,178  
 
    889,713       828,251  
 
  $ 1,468,524     $ 1,443,511  
 
               
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 81,270     $ 92,937  
Accrued liabilities
    335,937       392,377  
Income taxes payable
    1,113       18,317  
Unearned revenues
    22,670       20,199  
Long-term debt - current (note 9)
    37,368       44,785  
Contingent acquisition consideration - current (note 10)
    9,281       122  
Deferred income tax
    1,427       1,427  
 
    489,066       570,164  
 
               
Long-term debt - non-current (note 9)
    441,441       328,009  
Contingent acquisition consideration (note 10)
    16,532       8,618  
Other liabilities
    26,017       34,433  
Deferred income tax
    34,180       31,165  
 
    518,170       402,225  
Redeemable non-controlling interests (note 11)
    220,646       222,073  
 
               
Shareholders' equity
               
Common shares
    308,907       300,765  
Contributed surplus
    40,962       37,510  
Deficit
    (124,494 )     (123,111 )
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings
    7,606       26,757  
Total Company shareholders' equity
    232,981       241,921  
Non-controlling interests
    7,661       7,128  
Total shareholders' equity
    240,642       249,049  
 
  $ 1,468,524     $ 1,443,511  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
Page 4 of 12

 
 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of US dollars, except share information)
 
 
 
Common shares
   
 
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Issued and
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
other
   
Non-
   
Total
 
 
 
outstanding
   
 
   
Contributed
   
 
   
comprehensive
   
controlling
   
shareholders'
 
 
 
shares
   
Amount
   
surplus
   
Deficit
   
earnings
   
interests
   
equity
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2013
    35,801,732     $ 300,765     $ 37,510     $ (123,111 )   $ 26,757     $ 7,128     $ 249,049  
 
                                                       
Net earnings
    -       -       -       52,545       -       -       52,545  
Other comprehensive earnings
    -       -       -       -       (25,021 )     -       (25,021 )
Other comprehensive earnings attributable to NCI
    -       -       -       -       5,870       (256 )     5,614  
NCI share of earnings
    -       -       -       (19,763 )     -       3,922       (15,841 )
NCI redemption increment
    -       -       -       (6,440 )     -       -       (6,440 )
Distributions to NCI
    -       -       -       -       -       (3,144 )     (3,144 )
Acquisition of businesses, net
    -       -       -       -       -       11       11  
 
                                                       
Subsidiaries’ equity transactions
    -       -       (176 )     -       -       -       (176 )
 
                                                       
Subordinate Voting Shares:
                                                       
Stock option expense
    -       -       3,062       -       -       -       3,062  
Stock options exercised
    449,900       11,553       (2,947 )     -       -       -       8,606  
Tax benefit on options exercised
    -       -       3,513       -       -       -       3,513  
Dividends
    -       -       -       (10,781 )     -       -       (10,781 )
Purchased for cancellation
    (390,627 )     (3,411 )     -       (16,944 )     -       -       (20,355 )
Balance, September 30, 2014
    35,861,005     $ 308,907     $ 40,962     $ (124,494 )   $ 7,606     $ 7,661     $ 240,642  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
Page 5 of 12

 
 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of US dollars) - in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
 
 
 
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30
   
September 30
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Cash provided by (used in)
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Operating activities
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings
  $ 27,656     $ 19,918     $ 52,545     $ 16,079  
 
                               
Items not affecting cash:
                               
Depreciation and amortization
    14,404       17,583       44,264       60,675  
Deferred income tax
    1,295       (8,050 )     (440 )     (24,351 )
Other
    (4,454 )     5,524       (2,990 )     7,043  
 
                               
Changes in non-cash working capital:
                               
Accounts receivable
    19,863       7,280       25,435       10,249  
Inventories
    3,959       (1,579 )     (1,735 )     (2,210 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    2,136       (114 )     (6,240 )     (1,146 )
Payables and accruals
    6,683       32,111       (52,138 )     (56,837 )
Unearned revenues
    (10,889 )     (8,870 )     2,471       3,574  
Other liabilities
    1,284       1,099       (9,346 )     2,829  
Contingent acquisition consideration
    -       -       (20,064 )     -  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    61,937       64,902       31,762       15,905  
 
                               
Investing activities
                               
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (note 4)
    (12,699 )     (573 )     (60,475 )     (35,261 )
Disposal of business, net of cash disposed (note 5)
    10,781       49,460       8,694       49,460  
Purchases of fixed assets
    (7,171 )     (9,648 )     (35,944 )     (21,754 )
Other investing activities
    721       1,250       (702 )     (2,386 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (8,368 )     40,489       (88,427 )     (9,941 )
 
                               
Financing activities
                               
Increase in long-term debt
    10,986       202,626       244,945       534,221  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (51,113 )     (210,918 )     (142,683 )     (404,078 )
Purchases of non-controlling interests, net
    (1,311 )     633       (12,926 )     (1,896 )
Contingent acquisition consideration
    -       -       (5,750 )     -  
Proceeds received on exercise of options
    2,075       203       8,606       7,005  
Incremental tax benefit on stock options exercised
    545       217       3,513       1,179  
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
    -       -       -       (2,537 )
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (3,597 )     (3,326 )     (10,775 )     (3,326 )
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests
    (5,902 )     (4,131 )     (19,316 )     (17,171 )
Repurchases of Subordinate Voting Shares
    (10,249 )     (14,554 )     (20,355 )     (14,554 )
Redemption of Preferred Shares
    -       -       -       (39,232 )
Other financing activities
    -       (1,081 )     -       (1,644 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (58,566 )     (30,331 )     45,259       57,967  
 
                               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    59       1,221       (1,293 )     (5,494 )
 
                               
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (4,938 )     76,281       (12,699 )     58,437  
 
                               
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    134,943       90,840       142,704       108,684  
 
                               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 130,005     $ 167,121     $ 130,005     $ 167,121  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
Page 6 of 12

 
 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts)


1.           DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS – FirstService Corporation (the “Company”) is a provider of real estate-related services to commercial, institutional and residential customers in North America and various countries around the world.  The Company’s operations are conducted in three segments: Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”) Services, Residential Real Estate (“RRE”) Services and Property Services. The Company principally operates as Colliers International within CRE; FirstService Residential and American Pool Enterprises within RRE; and Paul Davis Restoration, California Closets, Certa Pro Painters and Service America within Property Services.

2.           SUMMARY OF PRESENTATION – These Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (the “Financial Statements”) have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the disclosure requirements for the presentation of interim financial information pursuant to applicable Canadian securities law.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such disclosure requirements, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading.  These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.

These Financial Statements follow the same accounting policies as the most recent audited consolidated financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the Financial Statements contain all adjustments necessary to a fair statement of the financial position of the Company as at September 30, 2014 and the results of operations and its cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014.  All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

The operating segment results have been revised to report the Service America operations in Property Services for all periods presented. Service America was previously reported in the RRE segment.

3.           IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS – In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (the “Update”). The Update clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The Update is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the Update on its financial position and results of operations.

4.           ACQUISITIONS – During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company acquired controlling interests in thirteen businesses, six in the CRE segment, four in the RRE segment and three in the Property Services segment. In the CRE segment, the Company acquired controlling interests in regional firms in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia expanding FirstService’s geographic presence in these markets. In the RRE segment, the Company acquired firms operating in Minnesota, Texas and California.  In the Property Services segment, the Company acquired a national franchisor providing restoration services in Canada, as well as two California Closets franchises in Florida and Chicago which will be operated as Company-owned locations. The acquisition date fair value of consideration transferred was as follows: cash of $60,475 (net of cash acquired of $7,011), notes payable of $3,611, and contingent consideration of $16,914 (2013 - cash of $35,261 and contingent consideration of $7,652). The purchase price allocations are not yet complete, pending final determination of the fair value of assets acquired. These acquisitions were accounted for by the purchase method of accounting for business combinations and accordingly, the consolidated statements of earnings do not include any revenues or expenses related to these acquisitions prior to their respective closing dates.

Certain vendors, at the time of acquisition, are entitled to receive a contingent consideration payment if the acquired businesses achieve specified earnings levels during the one- to four-year periods following the dates of acquisition.  The ultimate amount of payment is determined based on a formula, the key inputs to which are (i) a contractually agreed maximum payment; (ii) a contractually specified revenue or earnings level and (iii) the actual revenue or earnings for the contingency period.  If the acquired business does not achieve the specified revenue or earnings level, the maximum payment is reduced for any shortfall, potentially to nil.

 
Page 7 of 12

 
 
Unless it contains an element of compensation, contingent consideration is recorded at fair value each reporting period.  The fair value recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as at September 30, 2014 was $25,813 (see note 10).  The estimated range of outcomes (undiscounted) for these contingent consideration arrangements is $32,067 to a maximum of $37,726. The contingencies will expire during the period extending to June 2018.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, $25,814 was paid with reference to such contingent consideration (2013 - $1,742).

5.           DISPOSALS – In April 2014, the Company completed the sale of its REO rental operation for cash consideration of $1,500. The pre-tax loss on disposal was $2,699, before income tax expense of $268 resulting in a net loss of $2,967.  In July 2014, the Company completed the sale of a U.S.-based commercial real estate consulting operation for cash consideration of $12,100.  The pre-tax gain on disposal was $6,607, before income tax expense of $3,023 resulting in a net gain of $3,584.

Discontinued operations include three businesses: (i) Field Asset Services (previously in the Property Services segment), sold in September 2013, (ii) the REO rental operation (previously in the Residential Real Estate Services segment), and (iii) a U.S.-based commercial real estate consulting operation (previously in the Commercial Real Estate Services segment). For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, revenues from discontinued operations were $10,133 (2013 - $87,234) and net earnings were $944 (2013 - net loss of $2,468).
 
6.          ACQUISITION-RELATED ITEMS - Acquisition-related expense is comprised of the following:
 
 
 
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30
   
September 30
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Contingent consideration compensation expense
  $ 115     $ 1,448     $ 115     $ 4,184  
Contingent consideration fair value adjustments
    1,215       266       1,205       1,465  
Transaction costs
    3,402       719       4,635       2,731  
 
  $ 4,732     $ 2,433     $ 5,955     $ 8,380  
 
7.        OTHER INCOME - Other (income) expense is comprised of the following:
 
 
 
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30
   
September 30
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Income from equity method investments
  $ (259 )   $ (473 )   $ (548 )   $ (1,020 )
Other
    73       (677 )     (485 )     (816 )
 
  $ (186 )   $ (1,150 )   $ (1,033 )   $ (1,836 )

8.           INCOME TAX – The provision for income tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 reflected an effective tax rate of 29% (2013 - 25%) relative to the combined statutory rate of approximately 28% (2013 - 28%). In the prior year period, the difference between the effective rate and the statutory rate is related to the accelerated amortization of intangible assets, discrete items and the mix of earnings.

 
Page 8 of 12

 
 
9.           LONG-TERM DEBT – The Company has an amended and restated credit agreement with a syndicate of banks to provide a $500,000 committed senior revolving credit facility.  The revolving credit facility has a five year term ending March 1, 2017 and bears interest at 1.25% to 3.00% over floating reference rates, depending on certain leverage ratios.

The revolving credit facility and the Company’s three outstanding issues of Senior Notes rank equally in terms of seniority.  The Company has granted the lenders and Note-holders various collateral including an interest in all of the assets of the Company.  The covenants require the Company to maintain certain ratios including financial leverage, interest coverage and net worth.  The Company is limited from undertaking certain mergers, acquisitions and dispositions without prior approval.

10.           FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS – The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014:

 
 
 
   
Fair value measurements at September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Carrying value at
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Interest rate swap asset
  $ 528     $ -     $ 528     $ -  
Contingent consideration liability
    25,813       -       -       25,813  

The fair value of the interest rate swap asset was determined using widely accepted valuation techniques.  The inputs to the measurement of the fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions are Level 3 inputs.  The fair value measurements were made using a discounted cash flow model; significant model inputs were expected future operating cash flows (determined with reference to each specific acquired business) and discount rates (which range from 9.0% to 12.5%).  Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability are comprised of the following:

 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1
  $ 8,740  
Amounts recognized on acquisitions
    16,914  
Fair value adjustments
    1,330  
Resolved and settled in cash
    (237 )
Other
    (934 )
Balance, September 30
  $ 25,813  
 
       
Less: Current portion
    9,281  
Non-current portion
  $ 16,532  

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments, unless otherwise indicated.  The inputs to the measurement of the fair value of long term debt are Level 3 inputs.  The fair value measurements were made using a net present value approach; significant model inputs were expected future cash outflows and discount rates (which range from 0.1% to 2.5%).

 
 
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
 
 
amount
   
value
   
amount
   
value
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Other receivables
  $ 6,833     $ 6,833     $ 7,455     $ 7,455  
Long-term debt
    478,809       493,441       372,794       386,952  
 
 
 
Page 9 of 12

 
 
11.           REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS – The minority equity positions in the Company’s subsidiaries are referred to as redeemable non-controlling interests (“RNCI”).  The RNCI are considered to be redeemable securities.  Accordingly, the RNCI is recorded at the greater of (i) the redemption amount or (ii) the amount initially recorded as RNCI at the date of inception of the minority equity position.  This amount is recorded in the “mezzanine” section of the balance sheet, outside of shareholders’ equity.  Changes in the RNCI amount are recognized immediately as they occur.  The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending RNCI amounts:

 
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1
  $ 222,073  
RNCI share of earnings
    15,841  
RNCI redemption increment
    6,440  
Distributions paid to RNCI
    (16,172 )
Purchases of interests from RNCI, net
    (9,519 )
RNCI recognized on business acquisitions
    1,971  
Foreign exchange
    12  
Balance, September 30
  $ 220,646  

The Company has shareholders’ agreements in place at each of its non-wholly owned subsidiaries. These agreements allow the Company to “call” the non-controlling interest at a price determined with the use of a formula price, which is usually equal to a fixed multiple of average annual net earnings before extraordinary items, income taxes, interest, depreciation, and amortization. The agreements also have redemption features which allow the owners of the RNCI to “put” their equity to the Company at the same price subject to certain limitations.  The formula price is referred to as the redemption amount and may be paid in cash or in Subordinate Voting Shares. The redemption amount as of September 30, 2014 was $215,172.  The redemption amount is lower than that recorded on the balance sheet as the formula prices of certain RNCI are lower than the amount initially recorded at the inception of the minority equity position. If all put or call options were settled with Subordinate Voting Shares as at September 30, 2014, approximately 3,875,000 such shares would be issued; this would be accretive to net earnings per common share.

Increases or decreases to the formula price of the underlying shares are recognized in the statement of earnings as the NCI redemption increment.

12.           NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE – Earnings per share calculations cannot be anti-dilutive, therefore diluted shares are not used in the denominator when the numerator is in a loss position.  The following table reconciles the basic and diluted common shares outstanding:

 
 
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
September 30
   
September 30
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Basic shares
    35,975       33,712       35,946       31,990  
Assumed exercise of Company stock options
    394       343       400       326  
Diluted shares
    36,369       34,055       36,346       32,316  

13.           STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Company stock option plan
The Company has a stock option plan for certain directors, officers and key full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, other than its CEO.  Options are granted at the market price for the underlying shares on the date of grant.  Each option vests over a four-year term, expires five years from the date granted and allows for the purchase of one Subordinate Voting Share.  All Subordinate Voting Shares issued are new shares.  As at September 30, 2014, there were 968,250 options available for future grants.
 
 
Page 10 of 12

 

Grants under the Company’s stock option plan are equity-classified awards.  There were 338,000 stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (2013 - 417,000).  Stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was as follows:

 
 
Number of
options
   
Weighted
average
exercise price
   
Weighted average
remaining
contractual life
(years)
   
Aggregate
intrinsic value
 
 
 
 
   
 
           
 
 
Shares issuable under options -
 
 
   
 
           
 
 
Beginning of period
    1,687,050     $ 26.25            
 
 
Granted
    338,000       49.54            
 
 
Exercised
    (449,900 )     19.07            
 
 
Forfeited
    (8,000 )     31.28            
 
 
Shares issuable under options -
                         
 
 
End of period
    1,567,150     $ 33.30       2.68     $ 29,643  
Options exercisable - End of period
    667,450     $ 27.67       1.68     $ 16,384  

The amount of compensation expense recorded in the statement of earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $3,062 (2013 - $3,269).  As of September 30, 2014, there was $4,716 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards which is expected to be recognized over the next 5 years.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, the fair value of options vested was $7,062 (2013 - $3,922).

Subsidiary stock option plan
The Company has stock option plans at its CRE subsidiary entitling the holders to acquire up to a 3.2% interest in the subsidiary as at September 30, 2014. From the inception of the plan up to September 30, 2014, stock options representing an 8.2% interest in the subsidiary were exercised. Options, as well as shares acquired upon option exercise under the subsidiary stock option plan are liability classified awards because the underlying stock is also classified as a liability. The fair value of the liability relating to these awards is calculated each period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the liability related to these awards as at September 30, 2014 was $15,618 (December 31, 2013 - $12,834) and compensation expense recognized related to the awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $6,606 (2013 - $1,940).

14.           CONTINGENCIES – In the normal course of operations, the Company is subject to routine claims and litigation incidental to its business.  Litigation currently pending or threatened against the Company includes disputes with former employees and commercial liability claims related to services provided by the Company.  The Company believes resolution of such proceedings, combined with amounts set aside, will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or the results of operations.

15.           SEGMENTED INFORMATION – The Company has three reportable operating segments. The segments are grouped with reference to the nature of services provided and the types of clients that use those services.  The Company assesses each segment’s performance based on operating earnings or operating earnings before depreciation and amortization.  CRE provides commercial property brokerage and other advisory services to clients in North America and in various other countries around the world.  RRE provides property management and related property services to residential communities in North America.  Property Services provides franchised and Company-owned property services to customers in North America. Corporate includes the costs of operating the Company’s corporate head office.
 
 
 
Page 11 of 12

 
 
OPERATING SEGMENTS
 
 
Commercial
   
Residential
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
   
Property
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Services
   
Services
   
Services
   
Corporate
   
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Three months ended September 30
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
2014 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues
  $ 372,515     $ 250,209     $ 61,820     $ 62     $ 684,606  
Operating earnings
    17,378       15,166       13,302       (8,016 )     37,830  
 
                                       
2013 
                                       
Revenues
  $ 320,243     $ 227,611     $ 55,150     $ 31     $ 603,035  
Operating earnings
    12,312       14,102       13,016       (5,458 )     33,972  
 
                                       
                                         
Nine months ended September 30
                                       
 
                                       
2014 
                                       
Revenues
  $ 1,040,463     $ 691,675     $ 158,153     $ 156     $ 1,890,447  
Operating earnings
    42,175       30,904       23,587       (15,125 )     81,541  
 
                                       
2013 
                                       
Revenues
  $ 873,023     $ 636,956     $ 142,658     $ 131     $ 1,652,768  
Operating earnings
    14,940       20,301       17,869       (12,971 )     40,139  

 
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
Europe and
   
 
 
 
 
United States
   
Canada
   
Australia
   
Other
   
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Three months ended September 30
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
2014 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues
  $ 406,260     $ 90,243     $ 55,666     $ 132,437     $ 684,606  
Total long-lived assets
    391,550       100,134       55,298       220,367       767,349  
 
                                       
2013 
                                       
Revenues
  $ 371,517     $ 87,289     $ 51,723     $ 92,506     $ 603,035  
Total long-lived assets
    389,975       91,343       47,094       171,212       699,624  
 
                                       
                                         
Nine months ended September 30
                                       
 
                                       
2014 
                                       
Revenues
  $ 1,135,086     $ 248,930     $ 149,350     $ 357,081     $ 1,890,447  
 
                                       
2013 
                                       
Revenues
  $ 1,020,559     $ 241,039     $ 131,921     $ 259,249     $ 1,652,768  

16.           SUBSEQUENT EVENT – On October 8, 2014, the Company’s CRE segment acquired a controlling interest in AOS Group, a real estate and workplace consulting firm headquartered in Paris with operations in France, Belgium, and several other countries.  AOS Group will be immediately re-branded as “Colliers International”.  
 
 
Page 12 of 12

 
 
FIRSTSERVICE CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
(in US dollars)
October 31, 2014

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) should be read together with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of FirstService Corporation (the “Company” or “FirstService”) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, and MD&A, for the year ended December 31, 2013. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). All financial information herein is presented in United States dollars.

The Company has prepared this MD&A with reference to National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations of the Canadian Securities Administrators (the "CSA"). Under the U.S./Canada Multijurisdictional Disclosure System, the Company is permitted to prepare this MD&A in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canada, which requirements are different from those of the United States. This MD&A provides information for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and up to and including October 31, 2014.

Additional information about the Company, including the Company’s Annual Information Form, which is included in FirstService’s Annual Report on Form 40-F, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.

Consolidated review

Each of our three service lines reported strong revenue growth for the third quarter ended September 30, 2014, due to a combination of internal growth and recent acquisitions. Consolidated revenue growth was 14% relative to the same quarter in the prior year measured in local currencies (also 14% measured in the reporting currency). Revenue growth, combined with operating leverage, resulted in gains in adjusted EBITDA, operating earnings, adjusted earnings per share, and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.

During the first three quarters of 2014, we acquired controlling interests in 13 service businesses, including six in Commercial Real Estate Services, four in Residential Real Estate Services and three in Property Services. The total initial cash consideration for these acquisitions was $60.5 million.

After the end of the quarter, on October 8, 2014, our Commercial Real Estate Services division completed the acquisition of a controlling interest in AOS Group, a leading European provider of tenant representation, project management and workplace consulting services. AOS Group is headquartered in Paris and has operations in France, Belgium and several other countries. AOS Group will immediately be re-branded as “Colliers International”.

Results of operations - three months ended September 30, 2014

Revenues for our third quarter were $684.6 million, 14% higher than the comparable prior year quarter measured in local currencies. Internally generated revenues were up 10% and recent acquisitions contributed 4% to revenue growth.

Adjusted EBITDA (see “Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures” below) for the third quarter was $59.3 million versus $55.6 million reported in the prior year quarter. Our Adjusted EBITDA margin was 8.7% of revenues versus 9.2% of revenues in the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of a margin reduction at the Residential Real Estate Services operations and higher Corporate costs. Operating earnings for the third quarter were $37.8 million, up from $34.0 million in the prior year period. The operating earnings margin was 5.5% versus 5.6% in the prior year quarter.

 
 

 
Depreciation and amortization expense totalled $14.4 million for the quarter relative to $16.1 million for the prior year quarter, as result of a reduction in amortization of intangible assets in the Residential Real Estate Services segment.

Net interest expense was $3.4 million, versus $6.2 million recorded in the prior year quarter. The average interest rate on debt during the quarter was 2.8%, down from 4.5% in the prior year quarter due to a larger proportion of borrowings on our revolving credit facility, which carries lower interest rates than our fixed rate debt. The 6.5% convertible debentures, which had an effective interest rate of 7.4%, were outstanding for most of the prior year period but not in the current year period.

The consolidated income tax rate for the quarter was 29%, relative to 23% of earnings before income tax in the prior year quarter. The prior period’s tax rate was impacted by discrete items and the geographic mix of earnings. We expect a tax rate in the range of 28-30% for the full year 2014.

Net earnings from continuing operations for the quarter were $24.6 million, versus $22.2 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily attributable to growth in operating earnings in the Commercial Real Estate Services segment.

Net earnings from discontinued operations include a US-based commercial real estate consulting operation which was sold in July 2014, the REO rental operation which was sold in April 2014 and Field Asset Services, which was sold in September 2013. Revenues of the discontinued operations for the third quarter of 2014 were nil (2013 - $30.4 million).

Our Commercial Real Estate Services segment generated $372.5 million of revenues during the third quarter, an increase of 16% from the prior year quarter measured in local currencies. Internal growth was 12% while the balance of growth came from recent acquisitions. Internal revenue growth was comprised primarily of increased investment sales and lease brokerage in all three global regions. Regionally and on a local currency basis, Americas revenues were up 15% (12% excluding acquisitions), Asia Pacific revenues were up 19% (13% excluding acquisitions) and Europe revenues were up 20% (10% excluding acquisitions). Third quarter adjusted EBITDA was $33.9 million, up 29% versus the year-ago period. Results in the current year period were favorably impacted by operating leverage and the impact of recent acquisitions.

The Residential Real Estate Services segment reported revenues of $250.2 million for the third quarter, up 10% versus the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of recently completed acquisitions, revenues were up 8% as a result of strong client retention and new client wins. Adjusted EBITDA was $16.5 million, versus $19.3 million in the prior year quarter. The current period results were impacted by (i) a continuation of elevated employee medical benefits costs in the US amounting to approximately $3.0 million; elevated costs also impacted results for the second quarter and are expected to persist for the fourth quarter and (ii) costs and a write-off of accounts receivable totalling $1.4 million related to our homeowner fee collection operations as a result of recent legislation changes. In the prior year period, (i) costs to down-size our homeowner fee collection operations totalling $2.0 million and (ii) re-branding and related costs of $0.7 million were incurred.

Third quarter Property Services revenues were $61.8 million, up 12% relative to the prior year period as a result of continuing strong demand for painting, restoration and closet installation services. Internal revenue growth was 9% and acquisitions contributed 3% to revenue growth. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $15.1 million, up from $14.8 million in the prior year period.

Corporate costs were $6.1 million for the quarter, relative to $4.7 million in the prior year period.

Results of operations - nine months ended September 30, 2014

Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $1.89 billion, 16% higher than the comparable prior year period measured in local currencies. Internally generated revenues were up 12% and acquisitions contributed 4% to revenue growth.

Year to date Adjusted EBITDA (see “Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures” below) was $141.3 million versus $111.0 million reported in the comparable prior year period. Our Adjusted EBITDA margin was 7.5% of revenues versus 6.7% of revenues in the prior year period, primarily due to improved profitability in the Commercial Real Estate Services segment. Operating earnings for the period were $81.5 million, up from $40.1 million in the prior year period, with the difference attributable to Commercial Real Estate Services profitability in 2014 and accelerated amortization of intangible assets in the Residential Real Estate Services segment during the second quarter of 2013. Our operating earnings margin was 4.3% versus 2.4% in the prior year period.

 
Page 2 of 10

 
We recorded depreciation and amortization expense of $44.2 million for the nine month period relative to $57.3 million for the prior year period. The prior period results included accelerated amortization related to $11.2 million of trademarks and trade names in our Residential Real Estate Services segment on re-branding.

Net interest expense for the nine month period was $9.8 million, down from $17.3 million recorded in the prior year period. The average interest rate on debt during the period was 2.7%, versus 4.7% in the prior year period as a result of the conversion our 6.5% convertible debentures in September 2013. Net indebtedness (defined as current and non-current long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents) at the end of the quarter was $348.8 million versus $300.4 million a year ago.

Our consolidated income tax rate was 29%, versus 25% of the earnings before income tax in the prior year to date period. The prior period’s rate was positively impacted by accelerated amortization of intangible assets, discrete items and the tax impact of non-controlling interests. We expect a tax rate in the range of 28-30% for the full year 2014.

Net earnings from continuing operations for the nine month period were $51.6 million, versus $18.5 million in the prior year period. The increase was attributable to current year growth in operating results from the Commercial Real Estate Services segment, as well as accelerated amortization, net of income tax, recorded during the second quarter of the prior year.

Net earnings from discontinued operations include a US-based commercial real estate consulting operation which was sold in July 2014, the REO rental operation which was sold in April 2014 and Field Asset Services, which was sold in September 2013. Revenues of the discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $10.1 million (2013 - $87.2 million).

The Commercial Real Estate Services segment reported revenues of $1.04 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 21% measured in local currencies (19% measured in the reporting currency). Internal growth measured in local currencies was 15% and was driven by investment sales and lease brokerage activity in all three global regions and in particular, strong investment sales in the Americas and leasing in Europe. Recent acquisitions contributed 6% revenue growth. Regionally and on a local currency basis, Americas revenues were up 19% (15% excluding acquisitions), Asia Pacific revenues were up 15% (13% excluding acquisitions), and Europe revenues were up 40% (18% excluding acquisitions). Adjusted EBITDA for the period was $85.0 million, up from $53.2 million in the year-ago period. The margin was 8.2%, relative to 6.1% in the prior year period. The current period’s results were favorably impacted by operating leverage, productivity improvements and the impact of recent acquisitions.

Our Residential Real Estate Services segment reported revenues of $691.7 million for the nine month period, up 9% over the prior year period. Internal revenue growth was 7%, and acquisitions contributed 2%. Adjusted EBITDA was $38.7 million relative to $42.7 million in the prior year period. Current period profitability was impacted by (i) an ongoing reduction in higher-margin ancillary revenues, including homeowner fee collection operations as well as property transfer and disclosure fees which are dependent on re-sales of homes in managed communities; (ii) incremental employee medical benefits costs in the U.S. of approximately $6.0 million for the nine month period which are expected to persist in the fourth quarter and (iii) costs and a write-off of accounts receivable totalling $1.4 million in related to our homeowner fee collection operations as a result of recent legislation changes. Prior period profitability was adversely affected by re-branding costs, enhancements to the information technology platform and other related costs totalling $5.9 million during the nine month period, as well as costs to downsize our homeowner fee collections operations during the third quarter totalling $2.0 million.

Year to date Property Services revenues were $158.2 million, an increase of 11% relative to the prior year period. Internal growth was 9%, while acquisitions contributed 2% to revenue growth. Adjusted EBITDA for the period was $28.7 million, up 15% versus the prior period as a result of operating leverage from the segment’s franchise operations.

 
Page 3 of 10

 
Corporate costs for the nine month period were $11.1 million, relative to $9.9 million in the prior year period.

Operating segment reporting revision

Effective in the second quarter of 2014, a component of the Residential Real Estate Services segment, Service America, became managed by the Property Services management team on the basis that the business had evolved to become more akin to the Property Services operations than the RRE operations. Service America is expected to be better able to grow and share best practices within the Property Services operating segment. Service America is a Florida-based provider of heating, ventilation and air conditioning services and related service contracts to residential and commercial customers. Segment reporting has been revised to reflect Service America in the Property Services segment for all periods presented. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Service America generated revenues of $38.0 million, adjusted EBITDA of $2.5 million, and operating earnings of $1.6 million (2013 - $38.3 million, $3.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively).

Summary of quarterly results (unaudited)

The following table sets forth FirstService’s unaudited quarterly consolidated results of operations data for each of the eight most recent quarters. The information in the table below has been derived from FirstService’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements that, in management’s opinion, have been prepared on a consistent basis and include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of information. The information below is not necessarily indicative of results for any future quarter.

Quarter
    Q1       Q2       Q3       Q4  
(in thousands of US$, except per share amounts)
                               
 
                               
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2014
                               
Revenues
  $ 545,112     $ 660,729     $ 684,606          
Operating earnings (loss)
    4,925       38,786       37,830          
Net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations:
                               
Basic
    (0.15 )     0.26       0.60          
Diluted
    (0.15 )     0.26       0.59          
 
                               
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
                               
Revenues
  $ 473,634     $ 576,099     $ 603,035     $ 691,857  
Operating earnings (loss)
    (4,680 )     10,847       33,972       48,641  
Net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations:
                               
Basic
    (0.54 )     (0.21 )     0.09       0.11  
Diluted
    (0.54 )     (0.21 )     0.09       0.11  
 
                               
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
                               
Revenues
  $ 419,915     $ 529,905     $ 548,213     $ 600,954  
Operating earnings
    (13,309 )     24,872       32,188       35,497  
Net earnings per share from continuing operations:
                               
Basic
    (0.63 )     0.27       0.02       0.24  
Diluted
    (0.63 )     0.27       0.02       0.24  
 
                               
OTHER DATA
                               
Adjusted EBITDA - 2014
  $ 22,287     $ 59,706     $ 59,332          
Adjusted EBITDA - 2013
    10,241       45,167       55,608     $ 72,877  
Adjusted EBITDA - 2012
    5,611       39,829       48,623       56,983  
Adjusted EPS - 2014
    0.08       0.74       0.75          
Adjusted EPS - 2013
    (0.20 )     0.57       0.69       0.96  
Adjusted EPS - 2012
    (0.19 )     0.44       0.60       0.77  

 
Page 4 of 10

 
Seasonality and quarterly fluctuations

The Commercial Real Estate Services segment generates peak revenues and earnings in the month of December followed by a low in January and February as a result of the timing of closings on commercial real estate sales brokerage transactions. Revenues and earnings during the balance of the year are relatively even. These brokerage operations comprise approximately 17% of our annual consolidated revenues.

Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures

In this MD&A, we make reference to “adjusted EBITDA” and “adjusted earnings per share”, which are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings from continuing operations, adjusted to exclude: (i) income tax; (ii) other expense (income); (iii) interest expense; (iv) depreciation and amortization; (v) acquisition-related items and (vi) stock-based compensation expense. We use adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our own operating performance and our ability to service debt, as well as an integral part of our planning and reporting systems. Additionally, we use this measure in conjunction with discounted cash flow models to determine the Company’s overall enterprise valuation and to evaluate acquisition targets. We present adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure because we believe such measure is useful to investors as a reasonable indicator of operating performance because of the low capital intensity of the Company’s service operations. We believe this measure is a financial metric used by many investors to compare companies, especially in the services industry. This measure is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP in the United States, and should not be considered as a substitute for operating earnings, net earnings from continuing operations or cash flow from operating activities, as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our method of calculating adjusted EBITDA may differ from other issuers and accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. A reconciliation of net earnings from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA appears below.

 
 
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
(in thousands of US$)
 
September 30
   
September 30
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 24,552     $ 22,177     $ 51,601     $ 18,547  
Income tax
    10,024       6,720       21,139       6,150  
Other income, net
    (186 )     (1,150 )     (1,033 )     (1,836 )
Interest expense, net
    3,440       6,225       9,834       17,278  
Operating earnings
    37,830       33,972       81,541       40,139  
Depreciation and amortization
    14,407       16,124       44,161       57,290  
Acquisition-related items
    4,732       2,433       5,955       8,380  
Stock-based compensation expense
    2,363       3,081       9,668       5,209  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 59,332     $ 55,610     $ 141,325     $ 111,018  

Adjusted earnings per share is defined as diluted net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations, adjusted for the effect, after income tax, of: (i) the non-controlling interest redemption increment; (ii) acquisition-related items; (iii) amortization expense related to intangible assets recognized in connection with acquisitions and (iv) stock-based compensation expense. We believe this measure is useful to investors because it provides a supplemental way to understand the underlying operating performance of the Company and enhances the comparability of operating results from period to period. Adjusted earnings per share is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as a substitute for diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our method of calculating this non-GAAP measure may differ from other issuers and, accordingly, this measure may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. A reconciliation of net earnings from continuing operations to adjusted net earnings and of diluted net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations to adjusted earnings per share appears below.
 
 
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Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
(in thousands of US$)
 
September 30
   
September 30
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 24,552     $ 22,177     $ 51,601     $ 18,547  
Non-controlling interest share of earnings
    (7,196 )     (7,852 )     (19,763 )     (12,278 )
Preferred share dividends
    -       -       -       (3,146 )
Acquisition-related items
    4,732       2,433       5,955       8,380  
Amortization of intangible assets
    5,706       7,003       17,990       31,152  
Stock-based compensation expense
    2,363       3,081       9,668       5,209  
Income tax on adjustments
    (2,282 )     (2,286 )     (7,192 )     (8,729 )
Non-controlling interest on adjustments
    (434 )     (1,028 )     (1,096 )     (3,166 )
Adjusted net earnings
  $ 27,441     $ 23,528     $ 57,163     $ 35,969  
 
 
 
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
(in US$)
 
September 30
   
September 30
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
  $ 0.59     $ 0.09     $ 0.70     $ (0.62 )
Non-controlling interest redemption increment
    (0.11 )     0.33       0.18       0.71  
Acquisition-related items
    0.12       0.07       0.16       0.25  
Amortization of intangible assets, net of tax
    0.10       0.12       0.31       0.64  
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
    0.05       0.08       0.22       0.13  
Adjusted earnings per share
  $ 0.75     $ 0.69     $ 1.57     $ 1.11  

We believe that the presentation of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share, which are non-GAAP financial measures, provides important supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. We use these non-GAAP financial measures when evaluating operating performance because we believe that the inclusion or exclusion of the items described above, for which the amounts are non-cash or non-recurring in nature, provides a supplemental measure of our operating results that facilitates comparability of our operating performance from period to period, against our business model objectives, and against other companies in our industry. We have chosen to provide this information to investors so they can analyze our operating results in the same way that management does and use this information in their assessment of our core business and the valuation of the Company. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, and should be considered supplemental to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the costs or benefits associated with the operations of our business as determined in accordance with GAAP. As a result, investors should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

Liquidity and capital resources

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 was $31.8 million, versus $15.9 million in the prior year period. Excluding contingent acquisition consideration paid, the cash provided by operating activities in the current period was $51.8 million. The significant improvement in operating cash flow was attributable to increased earnings, primarily in our Commercial Real Estate Services segment. We believe that cash from operations and other existing resources will continue to be adequate to satisfy the ongoing working capital needs of the Company.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, capital expenditures were $35.9 million. Significant purchases included the relocation and expansion of the Manhattan office of Colliers International in our Commercial Real Estate Services segment. Based on our current operations, capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2014 are expected to be $45 to 50 million.

We declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share on the Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares in respect of each of the quarters ended March 31, 2014, June 30, 2014 and September 30, 2014. These dividends were paid in cash after the end of each quarter. The Company intends to pay dividends in the future, subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors.

 
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Net indebtedness as at September 30, 2014 was $348.8 million, versus $230.1 million at December 31, 2013. Net indebtedness is calculated as the current and non-current portion of long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents. The change in indebtedness was attributable to investments in business acquisitions, capital expenditures, purchases of non-controlling interests and repurchases of Subordinate Voting Shares. We are in compliance with the covenants contained in our financing agreements as at September 30, 2014 and, based on our outlook for the balance of the year, we expect to remain in compliance with these covenants. We had $167.3 million of available un-drawn credit as of September 30, 2014.

In relation to acquisitions completed during the past three years, we have outstanding contingent consideration totalling $37.7 million as at September 30, 2014 ($12.6 million as at December 31, 2013) assuming all contingencies are satisfied and payment is due in full. Such payments, if any, are due during the period extending to June 2018. The contingent consideration liability is recognized at fair value upon acquisition and is updated to fair value each quarter, unless it contains an element of compensation, in which case such element is treated as compensation expense over the contingency period. The contingent consideration is based on achieving specified earnings levels, and is paid or payable at the end of the contingency period. We estimate that, based on current operating results, approximately 90% of the contingent consideration outstanding as of September 30, 2014 will ultimately be paid.

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as at September 30, 2014:

Contractual obligations
 
Payments due by period
   
(in thousands of US$)
 
 
   
Less than
   
 
   
 
   
After
   
 
 
Total
   
1 year
   
1-3 years
   
4-5 years
   
5 years
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Long-term debt
  $ 475,455     $ 35,992     $ 3,617     $ 285,366     $ 150,480    
Interest on long-term debt
    50,609       10,064       21,100       13,295       6,150    
Capital lease obligations
    3,354       1,376       1,523       455       -    
Contingent acquisition consideration
    25,813       9,281       16,532       -       -    
Operating leases
    307,879       64,978       97,412       72,181       73,308    
 
                                         
Total contractual obligations
  $ 863,110     $ 121,691     $ 140,184     $ 371,297     $ 229,938    

At September 30, 2014, we had commercial commitments totaling $9.8 million comprised of letters of credit outstanding due to expire within one year. We are required to make semi-annual payments of interest on our senior notes at a weighted average interest rate of 4.3%.

Redeemable non-controlling interests

In most operations where managers, employees or brokers are also minority owners, the Company is party to shareholders’ agreements. These agreements allow us to “call” the minority position at a value determined with the use of a formula price, which is in most cases equal to a multiple of trailing two-year average earnings, less debt.  Minority owners may also “put” their interest to the Company at the same price, with certain limitations including (i) the inability to “put” more than 33.3% or 50% of their holdings in any twelve-month period and (ii) the inability to “put” any holdings for at least one year after the date of our initial acquisition of the business or the date the minority shareholder acquired the stock, as the case may be. The total value of the minority shareholders’ interests (the “redemption amount”), as calculated in accordance with shareholders’ agreements, was as follows.

 
 
September 30
   
December 31
 
(in thousands of US$)
 
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Commercial Real Estate Services
  $ 137,370     $ 135,515  
Residential Real Estate Services
    60,281       64,312  
Property Services
    17,521       15,920  
 
  $ 215,172     $ 215,747  

 
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The amount recorded on our balance sheet under the caption “Redeemable non-controlling interests” (“RNCI”) is the greater of: (i) the redemption amount (as above) or (ii) the amount initially recorded as RNCI at the date of inception of the minority equity position. As at September 30, 2014, the RNCI recorded on the balance sheet was $220.6 million. The purchase prices of the RNCI may be satisfied in cash or in Subordinate Voting Shares of FirstService. If all RNCI were redeemed with cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility, the pro forma estimated accretion to diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 would be $0.59 and the accretion to adjusted EPS would be $0.42.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements other than those disclosed in notes 14 and 20 to the December 31, 2013 audited consolidated financial statements.

Critical accounting policies and estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions with respect to the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are based upon management’s historical experience and are believed by management to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Our critical accounting policies and estimates have been reviewed and discussed with our Audit Committee. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Impact of recently issued accounting standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (the “Update”). The Update clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The Update is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the Update on its financial position and results of operations.

Impact of IFRS

On January 1, 2011, many Canadian companies were required to adopt IFRS. In 2004, in accordance the rules of the CSA, the Company elected to report exclusively using U.S. GAAP. Under the rules of the CSA, the Company is permitted to continue preparing its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and, as a result, did not adopt IFRS on January 1, 2011.

Financial instruments

We use financial instruments as part of our strategy to manage the risk associated with interest rates and currency exchange rates. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. As of the date of this MD&A, we had an interest rate swap in place to exchange the fixed interest rate on $10.0 million of notional value on our Senior Notes for a floating rate.

Transactions with related parties

The Company has entered into office space rental arrangements and property management contracts with senior managers of certain subsidiaries. These senior managers are usually also minority shareholders of the subsidiaries. The business purpose of the transactions is to rent office space for the Company and to generate property management revenues for the Company. The recorded amount of the rent expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $0.8 million (2013 - $0.5 million). The recorded amount of the property management revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $9.8 million (2013 - $12.0 million). These amounts are settled monthly in cash, and are priced at market rates. The rental arrangements have fixed terms of up to 10 years. The property management contracts have terms of 1 to 3 years.

 
Page 8 of 10

 
As at September 30, 2014, the Company had $4.5 million of loans receivable from minority shareholders (December 31, 2013 - $4.7 million) and no loans payable to minority shareholders (December 31, 2013 - $5.1 million). The business purpose of the loans receivable was to finance the sale of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries to senior managers. The business purpose of the loans payable is to finance purchases of non-controlling interests. The loan amounts are measured based on the formula price of the underlying non-controlling interests, and interest rates are determined based on the Company’s cost of borrowing plus a spread. The loans generally have terms of 5 to 10 years, but are open for repayment without penalty at any time.

Outstanding share data

The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of Subordinate Voting Shares and an unlimited number of Multiple Voting Shares. The holders of Subordinate Voting Shares are entitled to one vote in respect of each Subordinate Voting Share held at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company.  The holders of Multiple Voting Shares are entitled to twenty votes in respect of each Multiple Voting Share held at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company. Each Multiple Voting Share is convertible into one Subordinate Voting Share at any time at the election of the holders thereof.

As of the date hereof, the Company has outstanding 34,535,311 Subordinate Voting Shares and 1,325,694 Multiple Voting Shares. In addition, as at the date hereof 1,567,150 Subordinate Voting Shares are issuable upon exercise of options granted under the Company’s stock option plan.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 390,627 Subordinate Voting Shares under its Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) at an average price of $52.11 per share. All shares purchased under the NCIB were cancelled. The Company is authorized to repurchase up to an additional 2,789,373 Subordinate Voting Shares under its NCIB, which expires on June 8, 2015.

Canadian tax treatment of dividends

For the purposes of the enhanced dividend tax credit rules contained in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any corresponding provincial and territorial tax legislation, all dividends (and deemed dividends) paid by us to Canadian residents on our Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares are designated as “eligible dividends”. Unless stated otherwise, all dividends (and deemed dividends) paid by us hereafter are designated as “eligible dividends” for the purposes of such rules.

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

Forward-looking statements

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements with respect to expected financial performance, strategy and business conditions. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “project,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements reflect management's current beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risk and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors which may cause such differences include, but are not limited to those set out below and those set out in detail in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Information Form, which is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 40-F:

 
Page 9 of 10

 
·
Economic conditions, especially as they relate to commercial and consumer credit conditions and consumer spending.
·
Commercial real estate property values, vacancy rates and general conditions of financial liquidity for real estate transactions.
·
Residential real estate property values, resale rates and general conditions of financial liquidity for real estate transactions.
·
Extreme weather conditions impacting demand for our services or our ability to perform those services.
·
Competition in the markets served by the Company.
·
Labour shortages or increases in wage and benefit costs.
·
The effects of changes in interest rates on our cost of borrowing.
·
Unexpected increases in operating costs, such as insurance, workers’ compensation, health care and fuel prices.
·
Changes in the frequency or severity of insurance incidents relative to our historical experience.
·
The effects of changes in foreign exchange rates in relation to the US dollar on the Company’s Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, UK pound and Euro denominated revenues and expenses.
·
Our ability to make acquisitions at reasonable prices and successfully integrate acquired operations.
·
Political conditions, including any outbreak or escalation of terrorism or hostilities and the impact thereof on our business.
·
Changes in government policies at the federal, state/provincial or local level that may adversely impact our businesses.

We caution that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all possible factors, as other factors could adversely affect our results, performance or achievements. The reader is cautioned against undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in such forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of such forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future events, plans or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved.  We note that past performance in operations and share price are not necessarily predictive of future performance. We disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement even if new information becomes available, as a result of future events or for any other reason.

Additional information

Additional information regarding the Company, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.



 
 
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